Podcasts about omicron variant

So, let's talk about HKU5—a coronavirus variant that's just one mutation away from potentially infecting humans. Should we be worried? Could this be the next pandemic threat? Tune in to this episode to find out! We've seen how fast viruses can spread once they make the jump to humans, and with scientists discovering HKU5, this topic has sparked significant concern in the scientific community and even spooked the financial markets—causing unnecessary panic, financial market fluctuations, and public uncertainty. But should we really be alarmed? Or is this another case of fear outpacing the facts? In this episode, we'll answer all that as we discuss everything you need to know about HKU5. From its potential to mutate, why experts are concerned, to whether or not it could trigger another pandemic—we'll cover all that in today's podcast. So, if you want to know whether or not this could be the next global health crisis, tune in to this episode as we separate fear from reality and prepare without the panic. Why you need to check this episode: Learn about the characteristics of the HKU5 virus and how it compares to other coronaviruses like MERS-CoV; Discover why HKU5 has the scientists' attention and why financial markets have reacted to this news; Understand the role of mutations in virus transmission and know whether this strain poses a real threat to humans; and Differentiate scientific caution from media-driven panic, and learn what we can do to stay prepared and informed of HKU5's risks. “So, there are some things we know and some things we don't know about this HKU5 variant. What I can tell you right now [is] no, we're not headed to a new pandemic, [and] yes, I do think it was an overreaction, especially from these financial markets to sell off and almost mini-crash just because they hear of a new coronavirus—a very big overreaction [that] did not need to occur, especially when you're inclined to actually read the data…So again, should you be worried? No, but definitely be prepared for any news to come.” – Dr. Berry Pierre Notable Quotes: “This hasn't happened yet, [but] theoretically, from a lab perspective…these mutations are possible that can now make this HKU5 variant that primarily affects bats, cattle, and sheep to now jump to human cells…It has not happened yet, but there is a concern there.” – Dr. Berry Pierre “No one wants to be caught off-guard to a new variant, to a new virus—because we saw what happened when we were caught off-guard with the first one.” – Dr. Berry Pierre “We're still dealing with the coronavirus now, we're still dealing with variants now, [and] people are still dying now, even though you're not seeing it on your TV. It's off the TV—they made sure of that…So, you're not going to get the necessary fanfare…but trust me, we're still seeing these patients in the hospital [and] people are still dying in the hospital from it.”– Dr. Berry Pierre “As we continue to move in this post-pandemic world, understand that we can do some things better than what we did the first go around. We can educate better. We can learn better. We can try to break down any misconceptions better. We can do a lot of things better, especially for those who are fortunate enough to still be alive after the pandemic.” – Dr. Berry Pierre Sign up at www.listentodrberry.com  to join the mailing list. Remember to subscribe to the podcast and share the episode with a friend or family member. Listen on Apple Podcast, Google Play, Stitcher, Soundcloud, iHeartRadio, and Spotify Resources: The Article that Dr. Berry Read Watch Our Previous Episodes Discussing the Coronavirus Below: Answering YouTube's Pressing Covid-19 Questions Why Covid-19 and the Flu are NOT the Same Thing Are COVID Cases Rising Again What is Long COVID Doctor Reacts to Monkeypox Vs Covid-19 Debate Doctor Reacts to Covid-19, Omicron Variant, & School Shutdowns What is the Covid-19 Omicron BA.5 variant 4 Million Cases Later with COVID-19 (coronavirus update)

COVID-19 care is now mostly provided outside of hospital settings. Early diagnosis and therapeutic intervention for those who are at increased risk of progression to severe COVID-19 may improve outcomes. Dr. Jeff Hsu talks with Dr. Mary Brennan about the symptoms associated with the different stages of SARS-CoV-2 and choosing the appropriate outpatient therapeutic treatment.   CE and ABIM MOC credits available: https://bit.ly/3PeZRIy    

DISCLAMER >>>>>>    The Ditch Lab Coat podcast serves solely for general informational purposes and does not serve as a substitute for professional medical services such as medicine or nursing. It does not establish a doctor/patient relationship, and the use of information from the podcast or linked materials is at the user's own risk. The content does not aim to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and users should promptly seek guidance from healthcare professionals for any medical conditions.                                                  >>>>>> The expressed opinions belong solely to the hosts and guests, and they do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the Hospitals, Clinics, Universities, or any other organization associated with the host or guests.                                                                                  Disclosures: Ditch The Lab Coat podcast is produced by (Podkind.co) and is independent of Dr. Bonta's teaching and research roles at McMaster University, Temerty Faculty of Medicine and Queens University. Welcome back, dedicated listeners, to another compelling episode of "Ditch the Lab Coat.I'm your host, Dr. Mark Bonta, here to peel away the layers of science-based skepticism and dive deep into the conversations that matter.In the second part of our eye-opening three-part series on COVID-19, we continue our thought-provoking discussion with the infectious disease expert, Dr. Sumon Chakrabarti. Today, we're unraveling the intricacies of COVID's present state and examining the social, medical, and psychological fabric it has woven into our lives.We'll delve into the massive shift in societal perception of common symptoms like coughs and the impact of mask-wearing on our consciousness. While the obsession with COVID counts and the broad-spectrum community testing has been at the forefront, Dr. Chakrabarti questions the necessity of this approach, emphasizing a more targeted testing strategy in hospital settings.The toll of lockdowns and school closures cannot be overstated, with rising concerns about social isolation, loneliness, and their profound effects on both the physical and mental health of our communities—from our respected elderly in nursing homes to the developmental milestones of our children.And it's not all talk—our discussion brings us practical tools to protect against severe infection and strikes a crucial conversation on the future. How do we take our learnings and incorporate them into daily life and future pandemic preparedness?Today's episode promises to be informative, evidence-based, and candid, as we navigate the path of living with the virus in its ever-evolving form. We're setting the stage for the final episode, where we'll peer into what lies ahead, but for now, let's dive into COVID's present impact with Dr. Chakrabarti.Stay tuned, let's dismantle the myths, and remember, the best protection is an informed mind. "Ditch the Lab Coat," where science meets everyday life. It's time to redefine our approach and expectations towards pandemics. Now, let's continue our journey with Dr. Sumon Chakrabarti.06:52 Children need social interaction, sickness shouldn't hinder.10:14 RSV in hospitals, lingering symptoms, adapting to COVID.12:20 Dislike Trump, supports fake news, favors new testing.16:28 Wearing masks may give false confidence, limited effectiveness.19:21 Reduced viral transmission can have detrimental effects.23:41 Nursing home residents suffered during pandemic.27:10 Baby boomer living comfortably while younger generation struggles.30:13 Repeated lockdowns have negative downstream consequences.33:15 Testing affects behavior, societal fabric, hospital necessity.35:21 Tracking symptoms, testing, trust, and virus precautions.38:52 Support hospital staff, masks, and individual actions.42:47 Challenges in basing decisions on scientific evidence.45:51 Vaccination benefits outweigh risks for vulnerable populations.50:48 We fear COVID's impact, but seek empowerment.54:17 Preparing for future pandemics involves considering consequences.55:12 Excited to host, thank listeners, tune in!© 2024 ditchthelabcoat.com - All Rights Reserved 

BUFFALO, NY- December 15, 2023 – A new #researchpaper was #published on the #cover of Aging (listed by MEDLINE/PubMed as "Aging (Albany NY)" and "Aging-US" by Web of Science) Volume 15, Issue 23, entitled, “Uncovering a unique pathogenic mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 omicron variant: selective induction of cellular senescence.” SARS-CoV-2 variants are constantly emerging with a variety of changes in the conformation of the spike protein, resulting in alterations of virus entry mechanisms. Solely omicron variants use the endosomal clathrin-mediated entry. In this new study, researchers Franziska Hornung, Nilay Köse-Vogel, Claude Jourdan Le Saux, Antje Häder, Lea Herrmann, Luise Schulz, Lukáš Radosa, Thurid Lauf, Tim Sandhaus, Patrick Samson, Torsten Doenst, Daniel Wittschieber, Gita Mall, Bettina Löffler, and Stefanie Deinhardt-Emmer from Jena University, Leibniz Centre for Photonics in Infection Research (LPI), University of California San Francisco, Klinik für Herz- und Thoraxchirurgie, and University Hospital Bonn investigated the influence of defined altered spike formations to study their impact on premature cellular senescence. “In our study, in vitro infections of SARS-CoV-2 variants delta (B.1.617.2) and omicron (B.1.1.529) were analyzed by using human primary small alveolar epithelial cells and human ex vivo lung slices. We confirmed cellular senescence in human lungs of COVID-19 patients. Hence, global gene expression patterns of infected human primary alveolar epithelial cells were identified via mRNA sequencing.” Solely omicron variants of SARS-CoV-2 influenced the expression of cell cycle genes, highlighted by an increased p21 expression in human primary lung cells and human ex vivo lungs. Additionally, an upregulated senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) was detected. Transcriptomic data indicate an increased gene expression of p16, and p38 in omicron-infected lung cells. Significant changes due to different SARS-CoV-2 infections in human primary alveolar epithelial cells with an overall impact on premature aging could be identified. A substantially different cellular response with an upregulation of cell cycle, inflammation- and integrin-associated pathways in omicron infected cells indicates premature cellular senescence. “This difference may be attributed to the distinct endocytic cell entry and intracellular pathways of the omicron variant when compared to the delta variant. The induction of cellular senescence in lung tissue following acute SARS-CoV-2 infection could potentially contribute to the reported cytokine storm and the development of long-COVID.” DOI - https://doi.org/10.18632/aging.205297 Corresponding author - Stefanie Deinhardt-Emmer - stefanie.deinhardt-emmer@med.uni-jena.de Subscribe for free publication alerts from Aging - https://www.aging-us.com/subscribe-to-toc-alerts Keywords - aging, SARS-CoV-2, variant of concern, cellular senescence, lung airway cells About Aging-US Launched in 2009, Aging-US publishes papers of general interest and biological significance in all fields of aging research and age-related diseases, including cancer—and now, with a special focus on COVID-19 vulnerability as an age-dependent syndrome. Topics in Aging-US go beyond traditional gerontology, including, but not limited to, cellular and molecular biology, human age-related diseases, pathology in model organisms, signal transduction pathways (e.g., p53, sirtuins, and PI-3K/AKT/mTOR, among others), and approaches to modulating these signaling pathways. Please visit our website at https://www.Aging-US.com​​ and connect with us: SoundCloud - https://soundcloud.com/Aging-Us Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AgingUS/ X - https://twitter.com/AgingJrnl Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/agingjrnl/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@AgingJournal LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/aging/ Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/AgingUS/ MEDIA@IMPACTJOURNALS.COM

Photo: No known restrictions on publication. @Batchelorshow TONIGHT: The show starts in Maui's firestor and ranges to the nuclear fire deteriorating at ZNPP.  Looking in on Lancastaer County, PA and Pisa, Italy.  Talk about the new Omicron variant moving quickly ahead of a vaccine.And mre on the 17th Century revolutions in Mother Britain.

In this episode, Patrick W. G. Mallon, MB, BCh, PhD, FRACP, FRCPI, discusses new data on COVID-19 presented at ECCMID 2023, including:Treatment in special populationsREDPINE: remdesivir in people with renal impairment hospitalized for COVID-19 pneumoniaRemdesivir and readmission for COVID-19 in immunocompromised patientsMolnupiravir vs nirmatrelvir plus ritonavir for COVID-19 with hematologic malignancyManagement of patients with severe diseaseRECOVERY: higher-dose vs standard-dose corticosteroids for hospitalized patients with COVID-19Real-world study of tocilizumab vs baricitinib for severe COVID-19Novel antiviralsEnsitrelvirBemnifosbuvir Novel vaccinesNB2155AZD2816/AZD1222qNIV/CoV2373GRT-R910NVX-CoV2373 in people with HIVFaculty:  Patrick W. G. Mallon, MB, BCh, PhD, FRACP, FRCPIProfessor of Microbial DiseasesCentre for Experimental Pathogen Host ResearchUniversity College DublinDublin, IrelandContent based on an online CME/CE program supported by independent educational grants from Gilead Sciences, Inc. and Novavax.  Link to full program: bit.ly/3niXGJ6Link to downloadable slides: bit.ly/3LUFejG

The new subvariant of Omicron of COVID-19 that caused a spike – variant XBB.1.5 has caused some concern. As Omicron has been by far the most contagious variant of COVID-19. To what extent we should be worried about it? - Subvarian baru Omicron dari COVID-19, varian XBB.1.5 telah menyebabkan lonjakan – yang menimbulkan kekhawatiran. Sejauh ini Omicron merupakan varian COVID-19 yang paling menular. Oleh sebab itu, sejauh mana kita harus mengkhawatirkan varian baru Omicron itu?

In this episode of BackTable, Dr. Puya Dehgani-Mobaraki, president of Associazione Naso Sano, discusses his research and his experience as a rhinologist with SARS-CoV-2 and its effect on the olfactory system. --- SHOW NOTES First, Dr. Dehgani-Mobaraki explains the goals of the Associazione Naso Sano, which is to provide community education about rhinologic conditions, distribute research grants to young researchers, and host international grand rounds. Then, he discusses his own experience with SARS-CoV-2. He was infected with the virus in early 2020 and could not be tested because he had no upper respiratory symptoms, only anosmia. He also reflects on the research he did in 2020, which focused on immune adaptation after infection. His research group discovered that there was a strong relationship between antibody production and smell loss. He notes that later variants of the virus became more infectious, but not more lethal. After December 2021, he noticed that the virus mutations led to a different pathway of generating symptoms, resulting in more upper respiratory symptoms and less anosmia. Furthermore, he reminds listeners that smell and taste disorders are not unique to SARS-CoV-2 and can be triggered by Parkinson disease, Alzhiemer disease, brain trauma, and nasal polyposis. Next, he speaks about his personal experience with treating patients with anosmia. Usually, COVID patients will regain their sense of smell any time from 20 days to 6 months after infection. However, some patients experience longer lasting parosmia, an altered quality of smell, and phantosmia, the perception of smell without stimulus. He notes that these symptoms can be difficult and distressing to patients. Smell and taste disorders can lead to weight loss and psychological disturbances, as these two senses are integral to community formation and pleasure. Although some patients can self-train to live with altered smell and taste, some may require medical consultation for a structured smell re-training plan or medications, such as oral steroids, PRP injections, zinc, or alpha-lipoic acid. Finally, Dr. Dehgani-Mobaraki speaks about his most recent research project, which may suggest that SARS-CoV-2 can reactivate Epstein Barr virus through autoimmune pathways.

مرحبا بكم في المملكة العربية السعودية Join us as we explore the stunning landscapes, rich culture, and fascinating history of KSA. From the towering sand dunes where we get stuck many times to the vibrant cities of Riyadh and Jeddah, and literally to the Edge of the World (yes, that is the name of a place in this country), I'll take you on a journey driving more than 4,000 km through one of the most misunderstood and least-visited countries in the world. Along the way, we'll meet some locals and experts who will share their insights and experiences, and delve into the customs, traditions, and daily life of the Saudi people. This is the first of many episodes from KSA, where we explore the capital, Riyadh and go quad biking in the Red Sand Dunes – after a struggle to catch the flight from Dubai. Road tripping with “Cynthia Globe” I'm travelling to Saudi Arabia with my good friend, Cynthia. She is a lawyer, a CouchSurfing Ambassador, and a big-time traveller – and calls herself “Cynthia Globe”. When I met her in her home state, Florida, I did an interview with her. We got along so well, that we ended our meeting with talking about going on a trip together. Maybe doing a “2.0 in Nairobi”. Fast forward just four months we meet again on the other side of the planet in Dubai. We are there because we booked a cruise going from Dubai to Cape Town, via Seychelles, Reunion, Madagascar, and a few other places. All in all, a cool cruise. But then the Omicron Variant of the Corona Virus was discovered in South Africa. It didn't come from there; the South African scientists were just the first to find it. I guess they were just smarter than in other countries. Nevertheless, the whole southern part of Africa was hit by travel restrictions, and we had a feeling that it would affect our cruise. But Norwegian Cruise Line didn't say anything about this. We heard several rumours of changes, but nothing from NCL. They didn't even change it on their website, and just for fun, I tried calling them one day, to see if they were still selling it. And they were. Then as I was on my flight to Dubai a few days before departure, I got an email saying that it was cancelled. I did get all my money back and even a 25% discount on my next cruise, but still. They could have told us a long time before. Cynthia was also on her way to Dubai, and we ended up spending a few weeks there, and even spent several days going to the World Expo that was held in Dubai at the time. At the same time, we were discussing where to go. We were seconds away from booking a flight to Kenya – and actually doing the 2.0 in Nairobi. But then Cynthia said: “Hey, why don't we go to Saudi Arabia”. And so, we did. But before we get there, we had to go through a stressful day in Dubai Airport. Stressful day in Dubai Airport We flew "FlyADeal" for 2 hours to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from Dubai. It was not much of a "deal" at 364 USD/340 EUR. Plus, the service was very poor, even for budget airlines. We waited in line at check-in for 15 minutes and found out that we were in the Saudi national's line. We then switched to a big line, and it hardly moved. We stood in that line for 2.5 hours (!!) to finally get checked in. There are lots of steps to entering Saudi: VISA (which was very hard to get until a few years ago), a Covid test, register your visa and covid test, print these first three requirements, and download a special monitoring app, that we needed to enter shops, restaurants, and other places in the country. Cynthia's app didn't work for four days, but she used her vaccine card or showed the app – and was never denied entry even without the QR identifier, that didn't work. She had done her registration and printed it but back at the airport at check-in, the gate agent said it wasn't right, as there was no QR code. She didn't know there was another step to the ones she had done; it was tense at the airport as she was doing the final step there at the check-in counter – with many people behind us in the line. The Gate Agent said there was no rush, as the flight was late due to check-in not being completed. When we asked, “for how long”, they didn't know. You would think that someone could have called the check-in people, so they could inform the stressful passengers. We also asked if we were able to make it in time for the flight – now that check-in was so slow. And all they said was “we will try…” So, once we finally got our boarding passes, we sprinted through the airport, arriving at the gate at 10:29 for the 10:30 am flight. On the plane, Cynthia was upgraded to the “Ladies Only Row” with a Saudi Mom and her four Daughters. “They were so sweet to me – helped me store my bag, travel tips; and when they thought I was cold: they wrapped me up in a black fur coat.” She also says that this was a wonderful encounter with Saudi women – we would soon find out that Saudi's are warm, welcoming, polite and enjoy meeting foreigners. Yes, flight delayed The flight took off 1.25 hours late. The pilot apologized twice with a lame excuse: "We are delayed 15 minutes as a passenger forgot a bag at security; it is out of our control." Ahhh, what about the extra 1 hour, as check-in took 2.5 hours?! We finally arrived in Saudi Arabia or “KSA” – the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as it's officially called. The Riyadh Metro On the first day, we decided to take the metro to the center, but when we got to the station, we discovered that it's so new that it wasn't running yet. I even asked our Airbnb host if it was close to the Metro station, and he just said, “yes, it's very close”. Not “but it's not working yet”. Who needs a Metro that isn't working? Since we were there the Metro in Riyadh should be running – or at least most of it. It will have six lines that serve the city and its suburbs and is designed to help avoid traffic congestion and improve mobility in the city. The Riyadh Metro has a total length of 176 kilometres (109 miles) and serves 85 stations. It's fully automated and features state-of-the-art trains and stations, and is equipped with advanced security and safety systems. The metro system is also accessible to people with disabilities, and then it's eco-friendly. The stations come with solar cells that will contribute to 20 percent of the entire station's energy. The service once up and running will contribute to the decrease of nearly 250,000 car journeys a day, thereby reducing the city's fuel requirement of 400,000 litres. A project like that isn't cheap: Around 22.5 billion US dollars or 21 billion Euros. But that's possible when money's not an issue. Saudi Arabia's 2030 All of this is a part of Saudi Arabia's 2030 plan also known as Vision 2030. It was launched in April 2016 by the Saudi Arabian Government as a program aimed at transforming the country into not being so dependent on oil export in the future. Here are some of the key goals: Diversification of the economy The plan aims to reduce the country's reliance on oil exports and encourage the growth of non-oil sectors such as manufacturing, tourism, and small and medium enterprises. Job creation The plan aims to create more than 3 million new jobs for Saudi citizens by 2030. Social and cultural development The plan aims to improve the quality of life for Saudi citizens by investing in education, healthcare, and cultural initiatives. Infrastructure development The plan includes investments in transportation (like the new Metro system in Riyadh), energy, water, and telecommunications infrastructure to support economic growth and development. Environmental sustainability The plan aims to reduce the country's carbon footprint and increase its use of renewable energy sources. Open to tourists And then the big one for someone like me: Saudi Arabia began welcoming tourists in September 2019, also as part of its 2030 plan. Tourism is seen as a key growth sector in Saudi Arabia. It can generate significant economic benefits, including jobs, tax revenues, and foreign exchange earnings. By attracting more tourists, Saudi Arabia hope to diversify its economy and reduce its reliance on oil exports. It's also in the plan that tourism also can contribute to cultural exchange and understanding between different countries and regions. They feel that by welcoming visitors from around the world, Saudi Arabia can promote its culture and traditions and learn from other cultures. Overall, the decision to open up to tourists is part of Saudi Arabia's broader efforts to transform itself into a more diversified and innovative economy, and to create a more prosperous and dynamic society. To transform Saudi Arabia into a global hub for trade and commerce, and to create a more prosperous and dynamic society. Renting a car and two quad bikes To see Saudi, a car is a must, so the next day, we picked up a rental car for the next 10 days at a place called Hanco at the Riyadh airport. It was 31 USD (29 EUR) per day, so definitely not too bad. Then we drove about an hour from Riyadh to the Al-Dahna desert. We came here to drive Quad Bikes in the famous and dramatic Red Sand Dunes. After talking to two vendors and doing a bit of bargaining for the 1-hour rental, we rented a Quad Bike each. These sand dunes are formed from fine, red sand that has been blown by the wind over the years, creating towering mounds that can reach up to 100 feet in height. The terrain is rough and rugged, with steep inclines and sudden drops that can be challenging to navigate. Except for when we got stuck, it was totally fun. We were at the far end of the Dunes looking for a route back when our vendor came out to find us. FACTS ABOUT RIYADH Riyadh is the capital city of Saudi Arabia and is home to over 7 million people. The city was founded in the early 18th century and has a rich history that can be seen in the many historical landmarks and museums scattered throughout the city. The Masmak Fortress, a historic castle located in the heart of the city, played a crucial role in the founding of modern-day Saudi Arabia and is a popular tourist attraction. The city is known for its vibrant nightlife and has a thriving arts and culture scene, with numerous galleries, theaters, and music venues to explore. Riyadh is also home to some of the world's most luxurious and exclusive hotels, including the Ritz-Carlton and the Four Seasons, which offer breathtaking views of the city and surrounding desert landscape. The city is also home to many world-class shopping malls, including the Kingdom Centre, which features a rooftop skybridge that offers panoramic views of the city. Riyadh has a number of world-class sports facilities, including the King Fahd International Stadium, which is one of the largest football stadiums in the world and has a seating capacity of over 75,000. One that would be put into good use if they win the bid to host the 2030 FIFA World Cup. Stuck in Traffic At 3 pm, we started the drive back in to Riyadh because Ali, one of Cynthia's CouchSurfing friends was leading a walking tour, and we wanted to join in. But that didn't go as planned. We got the outskirts of the city just in time for the glorious rush hour. One of the main challenges of driving during rush hour in Riyadh is that there are so many cars trying to get ahead at the same time, not always sticking to their lanes. It is definitely not for the faint at heart and a challenging experience, especially for those who are not used to heavy traffic or driving in busy cities. We were already getting late for our appointment for the walking tour with Ali, and then we had another challenge. Finding a place to park. We finally did find one and met for a quick chat with Ali, for just a few minutes. Sunset at Nabd Al Riyadh Then, we strolled the exterior of the Palace Museum, Fort and an Original City Gate and ended up in "Nabd Al Riyadh," an outdoor courtyard area with coffee shops, live music, and a chalk-art artist. It's a peaceful and pleasant spot to end our day and with a local performer in the background and the sun setting over Riyadh, we sat down and reflected on an adventurous day. Much more from Saudi Arabia In the next episode, we literally go to the Edge of The World. But there's much more in that episode /next Tuesday). You'll get the full travel versions of The Radio Vagabond like this one on Tuesdays (let's call it “Travel Tuesday”), and then Flashback episodes every Friday and the ten-minute diary entry from where I am right now every Saturday. But there's more: Sometimes, you'll get a short one about the country we're covering in the travel episodes on Thursdays. And this week I have one for you. Having listened to this episode, you might think that I'm painting a rosy picture of Saudi Arabia. And yes, I did like it. But not all is perfect, they still have some challenges in my eyes; so, on Thursday I'll give you an episode, that I call “The Good and The Bad about Saudi Arabia”. Here I'll share what I think is good about Saudi Arabia and also what I think is not so great. If you like what you hear, please tell a friend about The Radio Vagabond. My name is Palle Bo, and I gotta keep moving. See you. Poem about this episode – written by an AI The Radio Vagabond, Palle Bo, Took a trip to Saudi Arabia with his friend, Cynthia. A CouchSurfing Ambassador, and a big-time traveler, She calls herself "Cynthia Globe," and she's quite the explorer. They caught a flight from Dubai, but not without a fight, And soon they found themselves exploring the city of Riyadh at night. Quad biking through the Red Sand Dunes, they got stuck in the sand, But they had a lot of fun and made the most of their planned Adventure, even if it didn't go quite as planned. But then they hit some traffic, causing them to arrive At Nabd Al Riyadh, an outdoor courtyard to their delight, Where coffee shops, live music, and chalk-art artists ignite Their senses and keep them entertained until the morning light. In the next episode of this podcast, they set out to see The Edge of The World, where they meet many camels, wild and free. The Radio Vagabond continue to travel and explore this land of gold.

Nu kun på engelsk Dette er den danske udgave af Radiovagabond. Hvis du har været med længe, så vil du vide, at jeg normalt laver både en dansk og en engelsk udgave af podcasten. Og når der nu altid har været en hel del på engelsk, så går jeg ud fra, at du forstår engelsk. Men jeg har alligevel altid indtalt en hel del på dansk – og oversat blog post til dansk. Og det tager tid. I forvejen bruger jeg 3-4 fulde arbejdsdage på en enkelt episode, og jeg har valgt, at det er mere vigtigt at producere flere nye episoder end også at lave den danske version. Jeg håber, at det er okay med dig. Og jeg vil meget gerne høre fra dig, hvad du synes.   مرحبا بكم في المملكة العربية السعودية Join us as we explore the stunning landscapes, rich culture, and fascinating history of KSA. From the towering sand dunes where we get stuck many times to the vibrant cities of Riyadh and Jeddah, and literally to the Edge of the World (yes, that is the name of a place in this country), I'll take you on a journey driving more than 4,000 km through one of the most misunderstood and least-visited countries in the world. Along the way, we'll meet some locals and experts who will share their insights and experiences, and delve into the customs, traditions, and daily life of the Saudi people. This is the first of many episodes from KSA, where we explore the capital, Riyadh and go quad biking in the Red Sand Dunes – after a struggle to catch the flight from Dubai. Road tripping with “Cynthia Globe” I'm travelling to Saudi Arabia with my good friend, Cynthia. She is a lawyer, a CouchSurfing Ambassador, and a big-time traveller – and calls herself “Cynthia Globe”. When I met her in her home state, Florida, I did an interview with her. We got along so well, that we ended our meeting with talking about going on a trip together. Maybe doing a “2.0 in Nairobi”. Fast forward just four months we meet again on the other side of the planet in Dubai. We are there because we booked a cruise going from Dubai to Cape Town, via Seychelles, Reunion, Madagascar, and a few other places. All in all, a cool cruise. But then the Omicron Variant of the Corona Virus was discovered in South Africa. It didn't come from there; the South African scientists were just the first to find it. I guess they were just smarter than in other countries. Nevertheless, the whole southern part of Africa was hit by travel restrictions, and we had a feeling that it would affect our cruise. But Norwegian Cruise Line didn't say anything about this. We heard several rumours of changes, but nothing from NCL. They didn't even change it on their website, and just for fun, I tried calling them one day, to see if they were still selling it. And they were. Then as I was on my flight to Dubai a few days before departure, I got an email saying that it was cancelled. I did get all my money back and even a 25% discount on my next cruise, but still. They could have told us a long time before. Cynthia was also on her way to Dubai, and we ended up spending a few weeks there, and even spent several days going to the World Expo that was held in Dubai at the time. At the same time, we were discussing where to go. We were seconds away from booking a flight to Kenya – and actually doing the 2.0 in Nairobi. But then Cynthia said: “Hey, why don't we go to Saudi Arabia”. And so, we did. But before we get there, we had to go through a stressful day in Dubai Airport. Stressful day in Dubai Airport We flew "FlyADeal" for 2 hours to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from Dubai. It was not much of a "deal" at 364 USD/340 EUR. Plus, the service was very poor, even for budget airlines. We waited in line at check-in for 15 minutes and found out that we were in the Saudi national's line. We then switched to a big line, and it hardly moved. We stood in that line for 2.5 hours (!!) to finally get checked in. There are lots of steps to entering Saudi: VISA (which was very hard to get until a few years ago), a Covid test, register your visa and covid test, print these first three requirements, and download a special monitoring app, that we needed to enter shops, restaurants, and other places in the country. Cynthia's app didn't work for four days, but she used her vaccine card or showed the app – and was never denied entry even without the QR identifier, that didn't work. She had done her registration and printed it but back at the airport at check-in, the gate agent said it wasn't right, as there was no QR code. She didn't know there was another step to the ones she had done; it was tense at the airport as she was doing the final step there at the check-in counter – with many people behind us in the line. The Gate Agent said there was no rush, as the flight was late due to check-in not being completed. When we asked, “for how long”, they didn't know. You would think that someone could have called the check-in people, so they could inform the stressful passengers. We also asked if we were able to make it in time for the flight – now that check-in was so slow. And all they said was “we will try…” So, once we finally got our boarding passes, we sprinted through the airport, arriving at the gate at 10:29 for the 10:30 am flight. On the plane, Cynthia was upgraded to the “Ladies Only Row” with a Saudi Mom and her four Daughters. “They were so sweet to me – helped me store my bag, travel tips; and when they thought I was cold: they wrapped me up in a black fur coat.” She also says that this was a wonderful encounter with Saudi women – we would soon find out that Saudi's are warm, welcoming, polite and enjoy meeting foreigners. Yes, flight delayed The flight took off 1.25 hours late. The pilot apologized twice with a lame excuse: "We are delayed 15 minutes as a passenger forgot a bag at security; it is out of our control." Ahhh, what about the extra 1 hour, as check-in took 2.5 hours?! We finally arrived in Saudi Arabia or “KSA” – the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as it's officially called. The Riyadh Metro On the first day, we decided to take the metro to the center, but when we got to the station, we discovered that it's so new that it wasn't running yet. I even asked our Airbnb host if it was close to the Metro station, and he just said, “yes, it's very close”. Not “but it's not working yet”. Who needs a Metro that isn't working? Since we were there the Metro in Riyadh should be running – or at least most of it. It will have six lines that serve the city and its suburbs and is designed to help avoid traffic congestion and improve mobility in the city. The Riyadh Metro has a total length of 176 kilometres (109 miles) and serves 85 stations. It's fully automated and features state-of-the-art trains and stations, and is equipped with advanced security and safety systems. The metro system is also accessible to people with disabilities, and then it's eco-friendly. The stations come with solar cells that will contribute to 20 percent of the entire station's energy. The service once up and running will contribute to the decrease of nearly 250,000 car journeys a day, thereby reducing the city's fuel requirement of 400,000 litres. A project like that isn't cheap: Around 22.5 billion US dollars or 21 billion Euros. But that's possible when money's not an issue. Saudi Arabia's 2030 All of this is a part of Saudi Arabia's 2030 plan also known as Vision 2030. It was launched in April 2016 by the Saudi Arabian Government as a program aimed at transforming the country into not being so dependent on oil export in the future. Here are some of the key goals: Diversification of the economy The plan aims to reduce the country's reliance on oil exports and encourage the growth of non-oil sectors such as manufacturing, tourism, and small and medium enterprises. Job creation The plan aims to create more than 3 million new jobs for Saudi citizens by 2030. Social and cultural development The plan aims to improve the quality of life for Saudi citizens by investing in education, healthcare, and cultural initiatives. Infrastructure development The plan includes investments in transportation (like the new Metro system in Riyadh), energy, water, and telecommunications infrastructure to support economic growth and development. Environmental sustainability The plan aims to reduce the country's carbon footprint and increase its use of renewable energy sources. Open to tourists And then the big one for someone like me: Saudi Arabia began welcoming tourists in September 2019, also as part of its 2030 plan. Tourism is seen as a key growth sector in Saudi Arabia. It can generate significant economic benefits, including jobs, tax revenues, and foreign exchange earnings. By attracting more tourists, Saudi Arabia hope to diversify its economy and reduce its reliance on oil exports. It's also in the plan that tourism also can contribute to cultural exchange and understanding between different countries and regions. They feel that by welcoming visitors from around the world, Saudi Arabia can promote its culture and traditions and learn from other cultures. Overall, the decision to open up to tourists is part of Saudi Arabia's broader efforts to transform itself into a more diversified and innovative economy, and to create a more prosperous and dynamic society. To transform Saudi Arabia into a global hub for trade and commerce, and to create a more prosperous and dynamic society. Renting a car and two quad bikes To see Saudi, a car is a must, so the next day, we picked up a rental car for the next 10 days at a place called Hanco at the Riyadh airport. It was 31 USD (29 EUR) per day, so definitely not too bad. Then we drove about an hour from Riyadh to the Al-Dahna desert. We came here to drive Quad Bikes in the famous and dramatic Red Sand Dunes. After talking to two vendors and doing a bit of bargaining for the 1-hour rental, we rented a Quad Bike each. These sand dunes are formed from fine, red sand that has been blown by the wind over the years, creating towering mounds that can reach up to 100 feet in height. The terrain is rough and rugged, with steep inclines and sudden drops that can be challenging to navigate. Except for when we got stuck, it was totally fun. We were at the far end of the Dunes looking for a route back when our vendor came out to find us. FACTS ABOUT RIYADH Riyadh is the capital city of Saudi Arabia and is home to over 7 million people. The city was founded in the early 18th century and has a rich history that can be seen in the many historical landmarks and museums scattered throughout the city. The Masmak Fortress, a historic castle located in the heart of the city, played a crucial role in the founding of modern-day Saudi Arabia and is a popular tourist attraction. The city is known for its vibrant nightlife and has a thriving arts and culture scene, with numerous galleries, theaters, and music venues to explore. Riyadh is also home to some of the world's most luxurious and exclusive hotels, including the Ritz-Carlton and the Four Seasons, which offer breathtaking views of the city and surrounding desert landscape. The city is also home to many world-class shopping malls, including the Kingdom Centre, which features a rooftop skybridge that offers panoramic views of the city. Riyadh has a number of world-class sports facilities, including the King Fahd International Stadium, which is one of the largest football stadiums in the world and has a seating capacity of over 75,000. One that would be put into good use if they win the bid to host the 2030 FIFA World Cup. Stuck in Traffic At 3 pm, we started the drive back in to Riyadh because Ali, one of Cynthia's CouchSurfing friends was leading a walking tour, and we wanted to join in. But that didn't go as planned. We got the outskirts of the city just in time for the glorious rush hour. One of the main challenges of driving during rush hour in Riyadh is that there are so many cars trying to get ahead at the same time, not always sticking to their lanes. It is definitely not for the faint at heart and a challenging experience, especially for those who are not used to heavy traffic or driving in busy cities. We were already getting late for our appointment for the walking tour with Ali, and then we had another challenge. Finding a place to park. We finally did find one and met for a quick chat with Ali, for just a few minutes. Sunset at Nabd Al Riyadh Then, we strolled the exterior of the Palace Museum, Fort and an Original City Gate and ended up in "Nabd Al Riyadh," an outdoor courtyard area with coffee shops, live music, and a chalk-art artist. It's a peaceful and pleasant spot to end our day and with a local performer in the background and the sun setting over Riyadh, we sat down and reflected on an adventurous day. Much more from Saudi Arabia In the next episode, we literally go to the Edge of The World. But there's much more in that episode /next Tuesday). You'll get the full travel versions of The Radio Vagabond like this one on Tuesdays (let's call it “Travel Tuesday”), and then Flashback episodes every Friday and the ten-minute diary entry from where I am right now every Saturday. But there's more: Sometimes, you'll get a short one about the country we're covering in the travel episodes on Thursdays. And this week I have one for you. Having listened to this episode, you might think that I'm painting a rosy picture of Saudi Arabia. And yes, I did like it. But not all is perfect, they still have some challenges in my eyes; so, on Thursday I'll give you an episode, that I call “The Good and The Bad about Saudi Arabia”. Here I'll share what I think is good about Saudi Arabia and also what I think is not so great. If you like what you hear, please tell a friend about The Radio Vagabond. My name is Palle Bo, and I gotta keep moving. See you. Poem about this episode – written by an AI The Radio Vagabond, Palle Bo, Took a trip to Saudi Arabia with his friend, Cynthia. A CouchSurfing Ambassador, and a big-time traveler, She calls herself "Cynthia Globe," and she's quite the explorer. They caught a flight from Dubai, but not without a fight, And soon they found themselves exploring the city of Riyadh at night. Quad biking through the Red Sand Dunes, they got stuck in the sand, But they had a lot of fun and made the most of their planned Adventure, even if it didn't go quite as planned. But then they hit some traffic, causing them to arrive At Nabd Al Riyadh, an outdoor courtyard to their delight, Where coffee shops, live music, and chalk-art artists ignite Their senses and keep them entertained until the morning light. In the next episode of this podcast, they set out to see The Edge of The World, where they meet many camels, wild and free. The Radio Vagabond continue to travel and explore this land of gold.

Ashok Bhalla has the top stories from the WCBS newsroom.

Marla Diamond and Steve Scott have today's top stories from the WCBS newsroom.

WCBS Reporter Sean Adams spoke with Dr. Bruce Farber, Chief of Public Health at Northwell Health, who says the new strain does not appear to cause severe illness.

[2 JAN 22] Season 2, Episode 174. Run Time: 14:20

In this episode, Jason Gallagher, PharmD, and Emily Heil, PharmD, MS, BCIDP discuss landmark clinical trials of COVID-19 antivirals for nonhospitalized patients and COVID-19 rebound phenomenon, including:  EPIC-HR study of nirmatrelvir plus ritonavirPINETREE study of remdesivirMOVe-OUT and Panoramic studies of molnupiravirCOVID-19 rebound in treated and untreated patientsPresenters:Jason Gallagher, PharmDClinical ProfessorSchool of PharmacyTemple UniversityClinical Pharmacy SpecialistInfectious DiseasesTemple University HospitalPhiladelphia, PennsylvaniaEmily Heil, PharmD, MS, BCIDP, AAHIVPAssociate ProfessorDepartment of Pharmacy Practice and ScienceUniversity of Maryland School of PharmacyInfectious Diseases Clinical Pharmacy SpecialistUniversity of Maryland Medical CenterBaltimore, Maryland 

As the UK heads into autumn, Covid-19 appears to be surging again. According to official data, 40,650 people tested positive in England in the seven days up to and including 24 September. This was an increase of 42% on the week before. But as we brace for another wave, experts are also concerned about a potential rise in influenza. Ian Sample speaks to Prof Peter Openshaw about the Omicron variant, why we're at risk of a ‘twindemic' this year and whether it's time we all start taking more preventive measures. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/sciencepod

Do statins commonly cause muscle pain? Find out this and more in today's PV Roundup podcast.

Professor Eugene Maxwell joins Zerlina on the show to talk all things COVID!

This Day in Maine Thursday, September 8, 2022

Which variants does the new COVID-19 booster protect against? Find out this and more in today's PV Roundup podcast.

On Tuesday's show: The FDA has approved new versions of two COVID-19 vaccine boosters that target the omicron variant. A local infectious disease expert tells us who should get them and when. Also this hour: Officials for the Houston Police Department and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services are trying to locate 11 unaccompanied migrant children who went missing while under sponsor care here in Houston.  Then, Carolyn Evans-Shabazz, who represents District D on the Houston City Council, answers listener questions about issues facing the city. And writer Erika L. Sanchez, author of the novel I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter, talks about her new memoir, Crying in the Bathroom. She'll be in Houston Sept. 12 for an event with Inprint.

Americans could start getting doses of new COVID shots as early as next week. The government says the boosters to fight omicron are key to protecting against severe illness this winter. But questions remain over how effective these shots will be. Dr. Céline Gounder, an infectious disease specialist and epidemiologist at NYU's Grossman School Of Medicine, joined Geoff Bennett to discuss. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Dr. Marty Makary, Johns Hopkins Professor and author of The Price We Pay: What Broke American Healthcare and How To Fix It, rejoins the Dom Giordano Program to discuss multiple issues playing out in the world of medicine. First, Giordano asks Makary about a tweet he made about a new vaccine for the Omicron variant, in which the doctor revealed that the drug company behind the push approved this only after a test on 8 mice, telling that there is no publicly available human clinical data. Then, Giordano and Makary discuss another decrease in life expectancy for Americans, with Makary offering legitimate reasons for the decrease, relating it to both Coronavirus and obesity. (Photo by Noam Galai/Getty Images for HBO)

Americans could start getting doses of new COVID shots as early as next week. The government says the boosters to fight omicron are key to protecting against severe illness this winter. But questions remain over how effective these shots will be. Dr. Céline Gounder, an infectious disease specialist and epidemiologist at NYU's Grossman School Of Medicine, joined Geoff Bennett to discuss. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Tonya J Powers joins Marc Cox to talk the FDA authorizing tweaks to Pfizer & Moderna Covid-19 Vaccine for Omicron Variant.

Surges of COVID19 continue across the US and the BA.5 variant remains the driving factor. Maryland universities examine what their COVID protocols will or won't be in the fall. Anne Arundel County has a new Superintendent of Public Schools and he's tackling the mammoth task of filling vacancies and a federal court has ruled in a discrimination case against Baltimore's Catholic Relief Services.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode is shared from Mayo Clinic Q&A and was recorded in July 2022 Guest: Gregory A. Poland, M.D. (@drgregpoland) Host: Danielle (DeeDee) J. Stiepan The BA.5 omicron variant is now the dominant strain in the U.S., and it is leading to a new wave of COVID-19 infections. BA.5 was responsible for nearly 54% of COVID-19 cases in the U.S., and BA.4, a similar variant, accounted for another 17%, according to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  Experts are concerned because this particular variant appears to be good at evading the immune system.  "This BA.5 variant is hypercontagious, and right behind it, new variants are coming," says Dr. Gregory Poland, an infectious diseases expert and head of Mayo Clinic's Vaccine Research Group. "We will continue to generate these variants until people are masked and immunized."  Dr. Poland explains that the transmissibility of BA.5 represents the evolution of the virus to become more contagious and able to evade immune protection from previous infection or vaccination.  "Whether you've been vaccinated, whether you've been previously infected, whether you've been previously infected and vaccinated, you have very little protection against BA.5 in terms of getting infected or having mild to moderate infection," says Dr. Poland. "Thankfully, you still do have good protection against dying, being hospitalized or ending up on a ventilator if you are up to date on your vaccinations."  Due to the consequences of reinfection, including the possibility of long COVID-19, Dr. Poland urges people to continue to take precautions to protect themselves. "The reality is, it's important to be up to date on the COVID-19 vaccinations that are recommended for your age group, health condition, etc.," says Dr. Poland. "Sometime this fall, we may well have a variant-focused vaccine, so get it when it becomes available. And wear a proper mask properly when you are indoors around people who are not your family or in a crowded outdoor venue." On the Mayo Clinic Q&A podcast, Dr. Poland shares the latest COVID-19 news and answers listener questions.

The BA.5 omicron variant is now the dominant strain in the U.S., and it is leading to a new wave of COVID-19 infections. BA.5 was responsible for nearly 54% of COVID-19 cases in the U.S., and BA.4, a similar variant, accounted for another 17%, according to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Experts are concerned because this particular variant appears to be good at evading the immune system. "This BA.5 variant is hypercontagious, and right behind it, new variants are coming," says Dr. Gregory Poland, an infectious diseases expert and head of Mayo Clinic's Vaccine Research Group. "We will continue to generate these variants until people are masked and immunized." Dr. Poland explains that the transmissibility of BA.5 represents the evolution of the virus to become more contagious and able to evade immune protection from previous infection or vaccination. "Whether you've been vaccinated, whether you've been previously infected, whether you've been previously infected and vaccinated, you have very little protection against BA.5 in terms of getting infected or having mild to moderate infection," says Dr. Poland. "Thankfully, you still do have good protection against dying, being hospitalized or ending up on a ventilator if you are up to date on your vaccinations." Due to the consequences of reinfection, including the possibility of long COVID-19, Dr. Poland urges people to continue to take precautions to protect themselves."The reality is, it's important to be up to date on the COVID-19 vaccinations that are recommended for your age group, health condition, etc.," says Dr. Poland. "Sometime this fall, we may well have a variant-focused vaccine, so get it when it becomes available. And wear a proper mask properly when you are indoors around people who are not your family or in a crowded outdoor venue."On the Mayo Clinic Q&A podcast, Dr. Poland shares the latest COVID-19 news and answers listener questions.

New study finds just 6% of Adults under 65 and only 0.4% of those over 65 have optimal cardiometabolic health, putting them at increased risk for infections. Enroll in the Blood Work MasterClass Live: https://bit.ly/blood-work-masterclass This new Electrolyte + Creatine Combo can help you crush your next workout: https://bit.ly/electrolyte-stix  Use code podcast at checkout to save Arena, R., Pronk, N. P., Laddu, D., Whitsel, L. P., Sallis, J. F., Lavie, C. J., & Network, H.-P. (2022). Mapping One Million COVID-19 Deaths and Unhealthy Lifestyle Behaviors in the United States: Recognizing the Syndemic Pattern and Taking Action. The American Journal of Medicine, 1–22. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.amjmed.2022.06.006 O'Hearn, M., et al. (2022). Trends and Disparities in Cardiometabolic Health Among U.S. Adults, 1999-2018. Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 80(2), 138–151. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.jacc.2022.04.046 Ducrot, P. (2022). Severe hospital events following symptomatic infection with Sars-CoV-2 Omicron and Delta variants in France, December 2021 – January 2022: a retrospective, population-based, matched cohort study, 1–13. http://doi.org/10.1101/2022.02.02.22269952

Biden More Committed To UKRAINE Than America Amid INFLATION Crisis: Briahna Joy Gray & Robby Soave(00:00)Briahna Joy Gray: Catholic SCOTUS = Religious STATE RULE? GOP Abandons Constitution For Culture War(12:40)Aaron Maté: John Bolton ADMITS To Planning Foreign Coups(33:27)Biden Gets Mexico To Pledge $1.5B For SECURITY, Infrastructure At US Border(40:53)10-Yr-Old Abortion Seeker's Rapist ARRESTED. Emily Jashinsky Emphasizes Critique Of One-Source Story(50:15)Aaron Maté: Biden DEFENDS Israel On State Visit, Dismisses APARTHEID Concerns(59:36)Kim Iversen: Biden and Fauci SUED For Coercing Big Tech To CENSOR Dissent(1:09:40)NYT Claims RAY EPPS Is 'Victim' Of Conspiracy After Ted Cruz PRESSED FBI On Epps' 1/6 Involvement(1:20:51)FDA Approves NOVAVAX. Fauci Wants Public To RE-MASK Amid BA.5 Surge(1:30:23)Where to tune in and follow: https://linktr.ee/risingthehill  More about Rising:  Rising is a weekday morning show hosted by Ryan Grim, Kim Iversen, and Robby Soave. It breaks the mold of morning TV by taking viewers inside the halls of Washington power like never before, providing outside-of-the-beltway perspectives. The show leans into the day's political cycle with cutting edge analysis from DC insiders and outsiders alike to provide coverage not provided on cable news. It also sets the day's political agenda by breaking exclusive news with a team of scoop-driven reporters and demanding answers during interviews with the country's most important political newsmakers.

Mark Thompson explains why the Omicron offshoot BA.5 is a big deal. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Local Doctors Tracking New Omicron Variant, Woman Found Dead at Little Italy Homeless Camp, Fire Continues to Burn Near Yosemite, Sheena's First Alert WeatherSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of RANE's COVID-19 podcast, we discuss the rush to vaccinate toddlers, why our doctors are getting another booster shot, and when the updated vaccines with Omicron BA variants will be ready. SEPARATE THE SIGNAL FROM THE NOISE With a Daily or Weekly Risk Intelligence Brief from RANE. Our ongoing risk monitoring saves time and costs for your business. Learn more at ranenetwork.com.

There's a new Omicron variant dominating the U.S. Mark Thompson explains why it may pose the biggest threat to immunity yet. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Should medical schools include gun-related content in their curricula? Find out this and more in today's PV Roundup podcast.

In our news wrap Wednesday, COVID cases are spiking as federal health officials call for indoor mask mandates, Russia released video of Ukrainian soldiers abandoning the Azovstal steel plant, the U.S. embassy reopened in Kyiv, Finland and Sweden handed in their applications to join NATO, and a former Minneapolis police officer pleaded guilty to a manslaughter charge in George Floyd's death. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Covid cases rise by more than 50% from last week in Texas, Connecticut and Hawaii and a UK study finds no evidence the Omicron variant is any less severe than Delta. NYC's incoming MayorEric Adams joins to discuss the Covid crisis, and whether the federal government should follow New York and other states in sending out at-home tests to people. Also tonight: the defense rests after ex-officer Kim Potter breaks down on the stand as she recalls her fatal shooting of Daunte Wright, following mistaking her Taser for her loaded gun during a police traffic stop. Plus, the strange secret history of the “War on Christmas” and  CNN's Fareed Zakaria joins to discuss the factors behind President Biden's sinking approval rating. Hosted by Michael Smerconish. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

Dr. Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, says there's “no doubt” that fully vaccinated people will have breakthrough infections from the Omicron Covid variant. A study from the National Institutes of Health shows a third dose of Moderna's Covid-19 vaccine offers protection against the variant that's 20 times better than the antibody of just two doses. CNN's Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta tells Anderson Cooper just how important boosters are in the fight against both Delta and Omicron variants. Plus, President Joe Biden visited Kentucky to assess the damage from the deadly tornadoes and storms that devastated the area last weekend. Multiple states are in the path of another intense storm system moving from the Rockies into the Plains that is producing tornadoes and damaging winds. CNN Meteorologist Tom Sater gives AC360 an update on the severe weather and what states are in the path. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

The former head of the CDC and the editor-in-chief of the Lancet Lancet tell you what you need to know … Why what's happening to a crucial ice shelf is a red alert for the human race … How AI could reinforce inequality. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

Where do things stand with Covid-19? How has the emergence of the Omicron variant changed the situation? What can we expect in the short term and throughout 2022? To discuss these questions, we are joined again by Dr. Ashish Jha, dean of the Brown University School of Public Health. While noting that much still remains unknown about the Omicron variant, Jha suggests that the United States likely will be in for a challenging few months: We have a lot of data that Omicron is going to spread very rapidly. But that doesn't answer the question as to whether it's more contagious inherently, or is it evading our immune response. It's probably a combination of both. There is now pretty clear data that our vaccines will be pushed to the wall on this. The good news, according to Jha, is our vaccines—especially taken with booster doses—likely will maintain strong protection against hospitalization and serious illness. The bad news is there still are a relatively large number of unvaccinated Americans who are particularly vulnerable. While explaining the situation, Jha also shares his perspective on the public policy and public health choices we have faced in recent months. Jha reflects on what he views as significant failures of the government, particularly the pace of the rollout of boosters and rapid tests. Finally, Jha and Kristol discuss possible paths forward in 2022 and what data we should keep our eyes on from the UK and the rest of the globe.

Rounding out this week in Tophat News, Ben, Travis, and Fernando breakdown the headlines including Chris Christie's “belly flop” of a book release, Chris Cuomo getting canned by CNN, Mississippi abortion news and the effects of the Supreme Court's decision, a 14 year old victim in the Ghislaine Maxwell case cites Donald Trump, the origins of the Omicron Variant name, shocking Sexual Assault scandals at Liberty University and MORE in this packed episode! 

The United States' first confirmed case of the Covid Omicron variant has been identified in California. Dr. Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said the person was fully vaccinated and has “mild symptoms.” CNN's Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta tells Anderson Cooper how soon we could see community spread. Plus, the 15-year-old boy accused of killing four students in an Oxford, Michigan school was charged as an adult with four counts of first-degree murder and terrorism. Several other people were injured in the shooting. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel joins AC360 to discuss the tragedy and the charges against the alleged shooter. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

As Omicron variant cases spread in other countries, there's a rush to impose travel bans. At least 46 countries and territories have imposed travel restrictions from several African countries following the discovery of the variant. Japan and Israel have banned all foreign nationals from entering their countries. Late today, responding to the potential threat, and the word "potential" should be underscored here, the CDC amped-up its advice on vaccine boosters. The old word was that anyone 18 or older "may" get a booster. The new word they've chosen is "should." Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla joins Anderson to talk boosters, possible new versions of the vaccine and a pill the company has been testing to treat Covid.  Also, Tiger Woods says his days of being a full-time golfer are over. Anderson talks to Henni Koyack, the reporter who had an exclusive interview with the golf legend.   To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

As the Omicron Covid variant prompts new travel bans, the message from the White House is it's a “cause for concern”, not “panic”, but as much remains unknown about the new  strain, health officials urge vaccinations and boosters. CNN Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta joins to talk about the race scientists are undertaking to determine if the variant can evade vaccines. Republican Rep. Lauren Boebert remains defiant, refusing to publicly apologize after implying on video that Minnesota DFL Rep. Ilhan Omar could be suicide bomber. CNN Political Commentator Scott Jennings joins to give his perspective. As a new wave of smash-and-grab robberies hits stores on Black Friday, should they be treated as organized crime by law enforcement? Stephanie Martz, Chief Administrative Officer of the National Retail Federation joins to give her insight into what could be done to protect businesses from this growing crime spree. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

The experts drop a new COVID variant, Ilhan Omar gets a Republican congressman to apologize over a joke, and Norway turns Santa gay.Andrew Klavan's latest novel When Christmas Comes is now available on Amazon. Order in time for Christmas: https://utm.io/udW6uDW members get special product discounts up to 20% off PLUS access to exclusive Daily Wire merch. Grab your Daily Wire merch here: https://utm.io/udZpp LAST CHANCE to get 50% off a new Daily Wire membership with code DW50. JOIN THE FIGHT: https://utm.io/udZ33My new book 'Speechless: Controlling Words, Controlling Minds,' is now available wherever books are sold. Grab your copy today here: https://utm.io/udtMJ Subscribe to Morning Wire, Daily Wire's new morning news podcast, and get the facts first on the news you need to know: https://utm.io/udyIF Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Krystal and Saagar talk about the Omicron variant of covid, Biden's Thanksgiving, Kamala and Pete joining forces, Amazon firing a homeless worker, Hillary Clinton still being out of touch, how Big Pharma and Bill Gates are perpetuating the pandemic, Jared Kushner's Saudi dollars, a scientific perspective on Omicron, and more!To become a Breaking Points Premium Member and watch/listen to the show uncut and 1 hour early visit: https://breakingpoints.supercast.com/To listen to Breaking Points as a podcast, check them out on Apple and SpotifyApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/breaking-points-with-krystal-and-saagar/id1570045623 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Kbsy61zJSzPxNZZ3PKbXl Merch: https://breaking-points.myshopify.com/Abdul El-Sayed's Newsletter: https://incision.substack.com/ Abdul El-Sayed's Podcast: https://crooked.com/podcast-series/america-dissected/ Abdul El-Sayed's Book: https://medicareforallbook.com/  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over the weekend, several countries around the world implemented new Covid-19 travel restrictions over fears of the newest variant, despite little knowledge of how contagious it is or where exactly it is present. Omicron was first detected in South Africa, which has one of the most sophisticated screening systems in the world (it's a presumption to say it "originated" there — more likely, they were just the first to discover it). Australia, Belgium, Botswana, Britain, Denmark, Germany, Hong Kong, Israel, Italy, the Netherlands, France, and Canada have all also detected the variant, according to Reuters. This week, in honor of Giving Tuesday, one of the most charitable days of the year, Tangle will be donating 50% of all new subscription revenue and "tips" this week to Heavenly HRVST, one of my favorite charities that provides delicious shelf-stable meals to the hungry in New York City and across the east coast. I've met and interviewed their founder, John Doherty, and even tried their meals, which are fantastic. It's a great organization that we love to support. You can subscribe to Tangle by clicking here or drop something in our tip jar by clicking here. You can read today's newsletter here. Our newsletter is written by Isaac Saul, edited by Bailey Saul, Sean Brady, Ari Weitzman, and produced in conjunction with Tangle's social media manager Magdalena Bokowa, who also created our logo. The podcast is edited by Trevor Eichhorn, and music for the podcast was produced by Diet 75. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/tanglenews/support

Carter and Keri begin with a discussion of Christmas / "Capitalism Day," and Keri discusses how she participated in the war on Christmas when she was an SJW. Next, they mock the "omicron" variant just a bit, and get into a brief discussion about the uniqueness of Americans' distrust of their government. Prompted by Keri, Carter rants a bit about pragmatism, and then they call out Wikipedia for its intention to throw communism's horrific death count down the memory hole. A superchatter asks about the difference between investigative journalism and conspiracy theories, and then Carter reads some disturbingly woke quotes from Twitter's new CEO, Parag Agrawal. This prompts him to explain how many big tech firms like Twitter use certain words--harm, safety, healthy--as linguistic variables that can mean whatever is needed to advance the leftist political agenda. The duo then turns to the Ghislaine Maxwell trial, and Keri reveals her belief that Epstein is still alive. This leads to a discussion of a 1st grade teacher, "Professor Nalo," who has been bragging on Twitter about how her students ask her about her "queerness. They note that the leftist ideal of making children wards-of-the-state requires a blurring of boundaries between government agents (teachers) and family members. Finally, they close the show with some frivolity as Keri recounts a strange encounter at an antique shop in Texas. The video version of this episode is available here: https://unsafespace.com/ep0682 Links Referenced in the Show: Wikipedia's soon-to-be-deleted "Mass killings under communist regimes" page: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_killings_under_communist_regimes The cellular repair regime Keri recommended: https://vitalitymagazine.com/article/help-for-covid-19-long-haulers-dr-bens-cellular-repair-program/ "Professor" Nalo's Twitter thread: https://twitter.com/kingnalodarling/status/1464734185353003014 Yay! No white children in Nalo's class: https://twitter.com/kingnalodarling/status/1431051466765123585 Thanks for Watching! The best way to follow Unsafe Space, no matter which platforms ban us, is to visit: https://unsafespace.com While we're still allowed on YouTube, please don't forget to verify that you're subscribed, and to like and share this episode. You can find us there at: https://unsafespace.com/channel For episode clips, visit: https://unsafespace.com/clips Other video platforms on which our content can be found include: LBRY: https://lbry.tv/@unsafe BitChute: https://www.bitchute.com/channel/unsafespace/ Also, come join our community of dangerous thinkers at the following social media sites...at least until we get banned: Censorship-averse platforms: Gab: @unsafe Minds: @unsafe Locals: unsafespace.locals.com Parler: @unsafespace Telegram Chat: https://t.me/joinchat/H4OUclXTz4xwF9EapZekPg Censorship-happy platforms: Twitter: @_unsafespace Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/unsafepage Instagram: @_unsafespace MeWe: https://mewe.com/p/unsafespace Support the content that you consume by visiting: https://unsafespace.com/donate Finally, don't forget to announce your status as a wrong-thinker with some Unsafe Space merch, available at: https://unsafespace.com/shop